Hi Auto

High-Level Overview

Hi Auto is a technology company specializing in conversational AI solutions designed specifically for the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. Its flagship product is an AI-powered order-taking system that fully automates the drive-thru ordering process. This platform handles complex menus, upselling, and integrates seamlessly with point-of-sale systems, achieving over 93% order completion and 96% accuracy at scale. Hi Auto serves QSR chains and franchisees, currently deployed in about 1,000 stores across three continents, processing more than 60 million orders annually. The solution addresses key problems such as reducing order errors, improving throughput, enhancing customer experience, and optimizing labor efficiency in drive-thru operations[1][2][3].

Origin Story

Founded in 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel, Hi Auto was co-founded by Roy Baharav (CEO) and Eyal Shapira (CTO), who brought expertise in AI, speech recognition, and scalable systems. The idea emerged from the need to improve the drive-thru experience, a critical yet challenging touchpoint for QSRs, by leveraging advanced voice AI technology. Early traction was marked by rapid adoption among major QSR franchisees, supported by a team combining domain expertise in AI and operational execution. The company has since evolved to become the leading AI order taker in the US and globally, focusing exclusively on drive-thru automation to maintain deep specialization and performance[1][2].

Core Differentiators

• Product Differentiators: Purpose-built for QSR drive-thrus, Hi Auto delivers unmatched accuracy (96%) and order completion rates (93%+), outperforming competitors whose systems typically achieve 70-80% completion.
• Developer Experience: The platform integrates with existing point-of-sale systems and handles complex menus and upselling, ensuring operational flexibility.
• Speed and Ease of Use: Automates the entire drive-thru ordering process, freeing staff to focus on other tasks and improving throughput.
• Community Ecosystem: Trusted by over 200 franchisees and deployed in about 1,000 stores worldwide, Hi Auto benefits from a growing user base and operational feedback loop to continuously improve its AI models.
• Team Expertise: Includes industry veterans and AI experts such as Prof. Dan Povey, a world expert in speech recognition, enhancing the platform’s technological edge[2][3].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Hi Auto rides the trend of AI-driven automation in customer service and the broader digital transformation of the food service industry. The timing is favorable due to increasing labor costs, demand for contactless and efficient service, and advances in natural language processing. By focusing exclusively on drive-thru automation, Hi Auto addresses a high-volume, high-impact segment where speed and accuracy directly affect revenue and customer satisfaction. Its success influences the QSR ecosystem by setting new standards for AI adoption, operational efficiency, and customer experience in fast food service[1][2][3].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Hi Auto is well-positioned to expand its footprint further across global QSR markets and potentially explore adjacent use cases within restaurant automation. Trends such as continued AI advancements, increased demand for labor-saving technologies, and evolving consumer expectations for speed and personalization will shape its journey. The company’s deep domain focus and proven performance metrics suggest it will remain a key player in transforming drive-thru operations and could influence broader AI adoption in retail and service industries. Its ongoing innovation and scaling efforts will likely reinforce its leadership in the AI order-taking space[2][3].